Many Factor Can Interfere with an Effective Transition to Undergraduate Student Life

The transition to becoming an undergraduate student will vary from student to student. Factors that may affect and possibly trouble one student may have much less significance to another. Despite this, there are still common factors, which can be seen to affect the majority of students and test their ability to cope effectively with the transition to undergraduate student life. These factors could be external. For example, a student who has moved away from home may have difficulty navigating successfully in their new surroundings. On the other hand, internal factors can also affect the transition process. For instance, personality type will affect how quickly one may begin interacting with others. We would expect an introvert person not to make friends or be as confident around new people as a student with an extrovert personality.

The first challenge that the majority of students have to undertake when becoming an undergraduate is long term. Homesickness is evident in many students. Not necessarily missing family but friends as well. In addition to this, one has had to leave behind a familiar place. A place that many people may have lived for all of their lives, therefore, the change in surroundings could possibly be overwhelming, making it difficult to adjust to student life. Furthermore, when leaving behind a place for some students they may be leaving behind a partner. Long-term relationships are then a factor when moving away and also the idea that you or your partner will meet someone else. This is another factor, which is extremely important when becoming a student. In a new place you therefore meet new people. New friendships must be formed and trust placed in these. Students react differently to being put in accommodation with between two and over ten more people. Some will relish the idea and begin making friendships as soon as they arrive. However, for others this may be found hard, especially for typically quiet, shy and reserved people. These factors add to the social pressure that can be induced upon a student.

Matthew Weston Page 2 4/11/2008

The need to be socially accepted when first arriving at university is an added factor for an undergraduate student.

A continuing factor that could affect ones ability to adjust to undergraduate student life is in regard to money and finance. Before beginning university many financial documents must be completed and assessed ultimately resulting in the evaluation of the amount of loan a student will receive. This itself could cause anxiety for an individual and ultimately this can affect how effective the transition to undergraduate student life will be. An example of this may be that a student receiving the minimum loan has the added pressure of adhering to a strict budget. It can be seen that the financial factor will, like most others, vary from person to person and can be dependent on such things as, government grants, the income of the student’s parents, but also how much of this income is used to support the student. The more fortunate students may have their tuition fees paid for by the government and then their accommodation paid by their parents. Thus leaving their student loan to themselves for luxuries. However, many students are given no financial help from their family. Therefore, solely the student must pay for tuition fees, accommodation and general living expenses. There is a possibility that the expenditure may take up the majority of a student loan, if not all of it. As a consequence, the student may need to find a job and this is an added stressor to the possibly hectic lifestyle being undertaken. Finding a job is the first problem and once a job has finally been secured, time management and organisation may become more influential on the student. They will have less time to socialise, relax and concentrate on their studies. Time organisation is key when faced with this problem. This factor may be extremely significant when becoming an undergraduate student.

In addition to these factors, when becoming an undergraduate